MArch Master of Architecture Construction Materials & Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the US construction process, what is the primary purpose of submittals (shop drawings and product data) reviewed by the architect during construction administration?
- To establish the final contract price between owner and contractor
- To verify that what the contractor proposes to install conforms to the design intent of the contract documents (Correct answer)
- To obtain building department approval for construction to proceed
- To document changes in the work that increase the contract sum
Correct answer: To verify that what the contractor proposes to install conforms to the design intent of the contract documents
Submittals allow the architect to confirm that the contractor's proposed materials, systems, and methods meet the design intent before fabrication or installation occurs.
Question 2: What is the key structural difference between 'platform framing' and 'balloon framing' in wood light-frame construction?
- Balloon framing uses engineered lumber; platform framing uses solid sawn lumber
- Platform framing erects each floor as a separate platform; balloon framing has continuous studs running from foundation to roof (Correct answer)
- Platform framing uses metal connectors; balloon framing uses traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery
- Balloon framing is used only for single-story structures
Correct answer: Platform framing erects each floor as a separate platform; balloon framing has continuous studs running from foundation to roof
In balloon framing, wall studs run continuously from sill to roof plate across multiple stories, while platform framing builds each floor as a complete platform before erecting the next floor's walls.
Question 3: In concrete construction, what is the primary reason for specifying a maximum water-cement (w/c) ratio?
- To control the workability of fresh concrete during placement
- To limit strength reduction and permeability increase caused by excess water in the mix (Correct answer)
- To ensure adequate heat of hydration in cold weather pours
- To reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete mix
Correct answer: To limit strength reduction and permeability increase caused by excess water in the mix
Excess water beyond what is needed for cement hydration creates capillary pores that reduce compressive strength and increase concrete permeability to water and chemicals.
Question 4: What characterizes a 'curtain wall' facade system in commercial building construction?
- A load-bearing masonry wall that carries the building's floor and roof loads
- A non-load-bearing exterior cladding system hung from the building structure that resists only wind and its own weight (Correct answer)
- An opaque precast concrete panel system with no glazing
- A double-wythe brick veneer wall with internal insulation
Correct answer: A non-load-bearing exterior cladding system hung from the building structure that resists only wind and its own weight
A curtain wall is a lightweight non-structural facade system attached to the building frame that transfers only wind loads and self-weight to the structure at floor-level anchor points.
Question 5: In the context of US construction contracts, what does a 'Guaranteed Maximum Price' (GMP) contract arrangement mean?
- The owner guarantees the contractor a minimum profit margin
- The contractor agrees to complete the project for no more than a stated maximum, absorbing cost overruns beyond that amount (Correct answer)
- The architect guarantees the budget will not be exceeded through design changes
- The owner cannot make any changes to the scope after the contract is signed
Correct answer: The contractor agrees to complete the project for no more than a stated maximum, absorbing cost overruns beyond that amount
In a GMP contract, the contractor commits to deliver the project within a maximum price, with any costs exceeding the GMP being the contractor's responsibility, while savings are typically shared.
Question 6: The 'R-value' of a building insulation product measures:
- The compressive resistance of the insulation under foot traffic
- The thermal resistance to heat flow through the material per inch of thickness (Correct answer)
- The fire resistance rating of the assembly in hours
- The moisture vapor permeance of the insulation material
Correct answer: The thermal resistance to heat flow through the material per inch of thickness
R-value is the measure of a material's resistance to conductive heat flow; higher R-values indicate better insulating performance and greater resistance to heat transfer.
MArch Master of Architecture Construction Materials & Methods 2
In the US construction process, what is the primary purpose of submittals (shop drawings and product data) reviewed by the architect during construction administration?